Dorothy Ring was a devout Catholic and a generous person. So it was to no one's surprise that she arranged for one of the largest single donations ever made to Catholic Charities Hawai'i following her death.

The charitable organization yesterday announced that it received $1.15 million from the Dorothy Ring estate.

Ring, a Kahala resident and retired real estate agent, died Sept. 3, 2005, at the age of 93. Ring was a longtime parishioner at Star of the Sea.

"She was just a wonderful religious person and she was somebody who was a caring person," said Peter Ng, a friend and fellow parishioner. "She picked Catholic Charities because Catholic Charities does a lot for people, not only Catholics, and she thought that that would be the best place to make a contribution."

Ring's estate was worth $2.1 million and was divided among family members, several Catholic organizations and two nonprofit groups that benefit at-risk and abused children.

Ring was characterized as a humble person who placed the needs of other people ahead of hers.

Jerry Rauckhorst, Catholic Charities' chief executive officer, said the organization was grateful for the donation.

"We are honored that Dorothy Ring chose to bequeath a portion of her estate to Catholic Charities Hawai'i in order to continue to fulfill her passion of helping people in need," Rauckhorst said.

Catholic Charities Hawai'i, founded in 1947, helps people of all faiths and cultures. The organization offers programs that address child abuse and neglect; homelessness; children's emotional and behavioral problems; unplanned pregnancy; adult violence and abuse; difficulties encountered by immigrants and refugees; and sustaining independent living for seniors and people with disabilities.

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.